Podcasts about faith in jesus christ

Faith in Christ can guide our lives as we cultivate a relationship with God, rely on Him, remain hopeful, and spiritually prepare for trials. Click here to view the speech page. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The source of our strength is faith in Jesus Christ as we intentionally seek to come unto Him each and every day.

Recently someone I know asked my opinion on a Christian organization that had run into some controversy. I think I was asked because my acquaintance knew that I am a seminary professor and trusted me. Because I am a college professor and a pastor, people normally expect me to answer questions, not ask them. In John 3 we find an important teacher of Israel, Nicodemus, asking questions. He had come by night to speak with Jesus (v. 2). But even before Nicodemus could ask a question, Jesus addressed what was in his head and on his heart. Jesus told Nicodemus that “no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (v. 3). This made no sense to the teacher. How can anyone be born twice? Can they enter back into their mother's womb? (vv. 4, 9). To answer Nicodemus, Jesus used an illustration of the wind blowing wherever it pleased. He used this example to highlight the nature of those who are born again. We cannot figure out the moment-by-moment movement of the wind. In the same way, we cannot figure out who will be born again by the Spirit of God. It is, and will always be, a great mystery. Jesus is not negating human responsibility, but He is emphasizing the Spirit's role in a person coming to faith in Him. The Spirit of God chose the disciples of Jesus who were uneducated, unsophisticated, and were passed by many of the elite and educated people in Israel. “The wind blows where it pleases” (v. 8). >> For some of us it seemed natural to put our faith in Jesus Christ. By God's grace we were born into a Christian home and taught about the goodness of Jesus at an early age. For others, it may be a complete mystery how God saved us out of our broken and ungodly circumstances. The Spirit's movements may be mysterious, but they are not random. Let's thank God for choosing us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Galatians 1–3 Galatians 1–3 (Listen) Greeting 1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—2 and all the brothers1 who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. No Other Gospel 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. 10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant2 of Christ. Paul Called by God 11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.3 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born,4 and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to5 me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;6 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me. Paul Accepted by the Apostles 2 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery—5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. Paul Opposes Peter 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.7 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” Justified by Faith 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified8 by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. 17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness9 were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. By Faith, or by Works of the Law? 3 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by10 the flesh? 4 Did you suffer11 so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify12 the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. The Righteous Shall Live by Faith 10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”13 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit14 through faith. The Law and the Promise 15 To give a human example, brothers:15 even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise. 19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave16 nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. Footnotes [1] 1:2 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 11 [2] 1:10 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface [3] 1:11 Greek not according to man [4] 1:15 Greek set me apart from my mother's womb [5] 1:16 Greek in [6] 1:16 Greek with flesh and blood [7] 2:12 Or fearing those of the circumcision [8] 2:16 Or counted righteous (three times in verse 16); also verse 17 [9] 2:21 Or justification [10] 3:3 Or now ending with [11] 3:4 Or experience [12] 3:8 Or count righteous; also verses 11, 24 [13] 3:11 Or The one who by faith is righteous will live [14] 3:14 Greek receive the promise of the Spirit [15] 3:15 Or brothers and sisters [16] 3:28 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface (ESV)

Every day, Christians around the world are arrested and tortured for their faith in Jesus Christ. Today, I am joined by Todd Nettleton, Chief of Media Relations and Message Integration for The Voice of the Martyrs, and host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio. Todd serves as a voice for persecuted Christians, inspiring US Christians with the faithfulness of Christ's followers in 70+ nations where they face persecution for wearing His name. Join us today as we talk about the power of prayer and the influence of faith across all cultures. Show Notes: https://heidistjohn.com/blog/podcasts/todd-nettleton --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/heidistjohn/message

Has the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast been a blessing to you? Support from our listeners allows us provide resources, support, and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world. As we near the end of 2023, would you please consider a year-end gift to support the Schoolhouse Rocked ministry?   "We want everything that we do to speak of our faithfulness and our commitment to Him because He's worthy of that." — Meeke Addison Meeke Addison joins Yvette Hampton to kick off the 2023 Christmas season. Together, they share heartwarming and hilarious stories about family traditions, Christmas gifting, and keeping Jesus Christ at the center of their celebrations. Listen in as they discuss the joy and challenges of parenting, the art of last-minute gift shopping, and the importance of creating memorable experiences for their children. Join Yvette and Meeke for a delightful conversation that captures the TRUE spirit of the Christmas season. Come back Wednesday and Thursday for the rest of this important conversation. Watch this full conversation on our YouTube channel.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.—Matthew 7:13-14As we pointed out in Part One, those who have chosen to enter through the "strait gate" are those who are born again, which can only take place by putting their faith in Jesus Christ, who paid the full penalty for their sin. Furthermore, "strait is the gate, and narrow is the [only] way which leads unto life." That life, of course, is eternal life.

Isaiah Saldivar rejects the gospel of faith alone in Christ alone, and he rejects once saved always saved. This series will show how he misinterprets the scriptures to fit his way of thinking. The video used is titled "God told me some "Christians" will go to HELL." !!! We do not desire to degrade the individual, but rather we desire to expose the error in the teaching in hopes to spread the true message of by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone !!! HOW TO HAVE ETERNAL LIFE : https://youtu.be/t_6L7E_mfIw PART ONE: https://youtu.be/4sIrsjtIEbQ VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRpNhBA1Ia4 Isaiah Saldivar: @IsaiahSaldivar SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/c/bibleline LIKE https://www.facebook.com/biblelinemin TWEET https://www.twitter.com/biblelinemin COMMENT ask us a question! SHARE with all your friends and family Do you have a Bible question? Send your question to questions@biblelineministries.org! Support Bibleline - https://www.calvaryoftampa.org/donate/ Bibleline is a ministry of Calvary Community Church in Tampa, Florida and is hosted by Pastor Jesse Martinez. LIKE THIS? CHECK THESE GUYS OUT: https://www.youtube.com/c/Northlandchurchstc (Tom Cucuzza) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdddWVKMcM9c-SjUR1LZTBw (Jim Scudder) https://www.youtube.com/c/NorthsideChurchAthens (Freddie Coile) https://www.youtube.com/user/biblelinebroadcast (Yankee Arnold) https://www.youtube.com/c/TheKeesBoerMinistryChannel (Kees Boer) #isaiahsaldivar #matthew7 #bibleline #knowGod #salvation #christians #hell #heaven #saved #falseconvert #osas #freegrace #saldivar #falseteacher #gospel #pastorreacts #reaction #response

Thursday, 30 November 2023   “Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, Acts 22:12   The words are more exactingly translated, “And a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, being testified to by all the Jews dwelling there” (CG).   In the previous verse, Paul noted to the crowd that he could not see because of the light, and so he was led by the hand to Damascus. Continuing now, it says, “And a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law.”   Only the term “disciple” was used of Ananias in Chapter 9. Now, for the sake of this Jewish audience and to show that the man would have been acceptable in their eyes, he calls him a devout man according to the law.   This is the fourth and last time that the word eulabés is found in Scripture. It is found only in Luke's writings. Once in his gospel (Luke 2:25) and three times in Acts. It is a compound word that literally means “‘taking hold of what is good.' It focuses on the outward response someone gives to what they feel is truly worthwhile (worthy of respect)” (HELPS Word Studies). At times, translators say, “God-fearing” which is more of a paraphrase, but it implies that a godly fear is instilled in the person. With that, Paul next says, “being testified to by all the Jews dwelling there.”   This would be easily verifiable, and it shows that Ananias was obedient in his actions as a faithful Jew. The resentment of followers of the Way was obviously not as pronounced elsewhere as it was in Jerusalem.   And even at this time, it was perceived by most that followers of the way were considered obedient Jews. This is an obvious truth from the fact that James and the other apostles moved freely about. Gloag says that this “affirms that he was not introduced to Christianity by an opponent of Judaism, but by a strict Jew” (Paton James Gloag).   Paul's argument before the people is a petition for reason concerning faith in Jesus that does not contradict their faith. However, as the author of Hebrews (probably Paul) notes –   “In that He says, ‘A new covenant,' He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13   It was understood that law observance would eventually be ended. Thus, there is nothing deceitful by Paul in living as a Jew among Jews, as a Gentile among Gentiles, and promoting law observance among the Jews during the time that the temple was still standing.   As for the ending of the law, Hebrews notes that it will come at some future point. According to Daniel 9:27, Scripture reveals that point will be after the seven years of tribulation, whenever that occurs. Since the destruction of the temple, believing Jews and Gentiles are not bound to law observance, nor could they be. Without a temple, it would be impossible.   At the rapture, all believers will be taken to glory. After that, a temple will be rebuilt, and temple rites and law observance will return to Israel temporarily to consummate the times set forth by the Lord in Daniel 9.   Life application: The words of Hebrews 8:13 are written to the Hebrew people. They do not apply to the Gentiles. The Gentiles were never under law observance. As the New Covenant supplants the Old, it is insane theology to teach that a Gentile must observe the law, in part or in whole. This is why Paul is so adamant about this issue in Galatians.   To go to the Law of Moses, after coming to Christ, means that Christ's finished work has been rejected. Is this where you really want to stand? Is your hope in your own meriting of God's favor. If so, you will be sorely disappointed.   Be sure to trust in Christ, rest in Christ, and find your eternal security in the grace of God that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord.   Lord God Almighty, how can we be pleasing to You? Your word tells us. We are pleasing to You through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Help us to never attempt to merit Your favor through observance of the law that He came to fulfill. How good it is to simply rest in His finished work. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Hallelujah and amen.   

Romans 3-19-31 - Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. -20- Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. - -21- But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, -22- even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference- -23- for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, -24- being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, -25- whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, -26- to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. - -27- Where is boasting then-- It is excluded. By what law-- Of works-- No, but by the law of faith. -28- Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. -29- Or is He the God of the Jews only-- Is He not also the God of the Gentiles-- Yes, of the Gentiles also, -30- since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. -31- Do we then make void the law through faith-- Certainly not- On the contrary, we establish the law.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Thursday morning, the 30th of November, 2023, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of James 2:23, in the New Testament:“Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.” You want to be called a friend of God; I am sure you do; everybody does. No one wants to be an enemy of God. God has never lost a fight in His life.“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6We cannot please God by good works. He is not interested in our good works. He says they are like filthy rags. He wants us to trust Him. He wants us to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). You see, the reason God loved Abraham so much is because Abraham obeyed whatever God told him to do. Abraham waited for his promise, a son. God gave him a son, a beautiful son, named Isaac. At the age of about 13 years old, God tested Abraham and said, “I want him back now.” Abraham never hesitated. He took his son up to the top of Mount Moriah and was prepared to offer him up as a living sacrifice. God was so moved by that act of faith that he said, “Stop, stop, stop Abraham. There is a little ram caught in the thicket. Use that for a sacrifice.” That is why He loved Abraham. Abraham is known as the father of faith.George Müller is one of my heroes. George Müller started a children's home in Bristol in England. Something like 10,000 children went through that home, something like 60 million rand by today's reckoning, went through his hands. He never asked for one cent; he prayed for everything and trusted God. At the end of his life, people said, “You must have had such a love for children.” He said, “Yes indeed, a great love for children, but the reason why I did it wasn't even for the children. I wanted to show the world what God will do if we put our trust in Him.” Today, I want to encourage you. Put your faith in Jesus Christ. Don't tempt Him, but you can test Him, and I want to tell you, He will never, ever let you down. He is a good God, He is for you and He is for me and He is not against us, so He wants us to attempt great things for Him and expect great things from Him.Have a wonderful day,Jesus bless you,Goodbye.

God is faithful to forgive every person who confesses his or her sins through faith in Jesus Christ.

Our reading of 1 John concludes today as John continues to discuss how one might discern between those who have been born of God and those who are still worldly. One must love God and the commands of God through victorious faith in Jesus Christ which comes by the testimony of the Spirit. The one who has the Son has life, but the one who does not have the Son does not have life. In Christ, we can come to God the Father boldly in prayer, knowing that he hears us. Wrapping up his letter where he began, John says that the one who has been born of God does not continue in sin.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

James and Justina Page are college sweethearts who have been married for more than 35 years. James is an Associate Pastor and singer/musician in Houston, Texas, whereas Justina is an award-winning author, international speaker, lyricist and actor. Justina is also the founder and CEO of The Amos House of Faith, a non-profit organization serving the burn community. Together they have inspired individuals from all walks of life by their commitment to marriage and their faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:21-26 English Standard VersionThe Righteousness of God Through Faith21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Apostate Church Witchcraft (1)  (audio) David Eells - 11/26/23  Merchants of Babylon  David Eells  In the book of Revelation, only those that have the mark of the beast can buy and sell. (Rev. 13:17) No man should be able to buy or to sell, save he that hath the mark, [even] the name of the beast or the number of his name. But they will not escape God's wrath in the near future. (Isa. 24:1) Behold, Jehovah maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. (2) And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the creditor, so with the debtor; as with the taker of interest, so with the giver of interest to him. (3) The earth shall be utterly emptied, and utterly laid waste; for Jehovah hath spoken this word.  For the true meaning in this parable of buying and selling we must look for the hidden manna. (Rev. 2:17) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it. See also (Lk. 10:21). In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: yea, Father; for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight.  The letter kills but the spirit gives life. (2 Cor. 3:6) who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. Jesus spoke spirit during his ministry to the disciples. (Jn. 6:53) Jesus therefore said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have not life in yourselves; (63) It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, are life.   The Book of Revelation is called the testimony of Jesus. (Rev. 1:2) who bare witness of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, [even] of all things that he saw; (9) I John, your brother and partaker with you in tribulation and kingdom and patience [which are] in Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (19:10) And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren that hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God; for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy for which the saints are killed by the false prophets who only see the letter.   (20:4) And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as worshipped not the beast, neither his image, and received not the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they lived, and reigned with Christ a thousand years. "Revelation" means an uncovering or unveiling and it is the spirit, not the letter, that does this! It is a sign (Rev. 1:1) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, [even] the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John; (2) who bare witness of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, [even] of all things that he saw.  The ones who "bought and sold" were destroyed by the fire in Lot's day. (Lk. 17:28) Likewise even as it came to pass in the days of Lot; they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; (29) but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Paul taught that those who do evil are "sold under sin". (Rom. 7:14) For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (15) For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practice; but what I hate, that I do. Ahab, a type of the beast, sold his soul to do evil at the instigation of the Harlot Jezebel. (1 Ki. 21:25) But there was none like unto Ahab, who did sell himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, Jezebel his wife stirred up. (20) And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee, because thou hast sold thyself to do that which is evil in the sight of Jehovah.  In 2 Kings 17:17 those that worshiped the Image of the beast sold themselves and caused their children to go through fire. And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, to provoke him to anger. (18) Therefore Jehovah was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only.   Many in these days are like "Esau, who for one mess of meat (following after flesh) sold his own birthright" (Heb. 12:16) and was rejected. (17) For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected (Greek: reprobate); for he found no place for a change of mind [in his father,] though he sought it diligently with tears.  Jesus rejected those in the temple (Christians in the New Testament) who bought and sold. (Mk. 11:15) And they come to Jerusalem: and he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and them that bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves. The foolish virgins missed the Lord because they went to buy from them that sold. (Mt. 25:10) And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast: and the door was shut. They obviously were used to dealing with the hirelings, the "merchants of Babylon".  Jesus told his ministers "freely you have received, freely give. Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses" (Mt. 10:8-9). They had to walk by faith, with no salaries, no corruption. You can't hire God's ministers but then you can't fire them either. Some will say "Buy the truth and sell it not" (Pr. 23:23) but the truth cannot be bought with money. (Isa. 55:1) Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (2) Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. (3) Incline your ear, and come unto me; hear, and your soul shall live: and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.   If the truth could be bought with money, the rich would have an unfair advantage, which contradicts what Jesus said: (Mt. 19:23) Verily I say unto you, It is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. (24) And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. We can only buy the truth with the cost of our own life and way. (Jn. 7:17) If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or [whether] I speak from myself. Peter said, "Thy silver perish with thee because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money." (Acts 8:20)  To buy a lie, you must sell your soul. In a way, all those who buy and sell the merchandise (teaching, thinking, actions) of Babylon (apostate religion) are the merchants of Babylon. (Rev. 18:11) And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, for no man buyeth their merchandise anymore; (15) The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning. The rich young ruler was bribed (bought) by materialism to not follow Jesus.   Many buy convenient Babylonish doctrines like this and sell their eternal lives. (Lk. 14:18) And they all with one [consent] began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a field, and I must needs go out and see it; I pray thee have me excused. (19) And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. (Mt. 13:22) And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. They sell their soul for the pleasures of sin for a season. The treasures of Egypt are worth more than the reproach of Christ to them. (Heb 11:25) choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; (26) accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward.   We must sell our worldly life to buy our heavenly life, which is made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus' life. The body of Christ was sacrificed so that the corporate body of Christ would have power to sacrifice their lives. (Mt. 16:24) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (25) For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it. (26) For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his life? Riches will soon be worth nothing but wrath.   (Eze. 7:12) The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn; for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof; (19) They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be as an unclean thing; their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of Jehovah: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels; because it hath been the stumbling block of their iniquity. (20) As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty; but they made the images of their abominations [and] their detestable things therein: therefore have I made it unto them as an unclean thing. (Rev. 6:6) And I heard as it were a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, A measure of wheat for a shilling, and three measures of barley for a shilling; and the oil and the wine hurt thou not.  One reason there is such an emphasis on buying and selling is because Christians don't obey God's word and walk by faith in the area of giving and receiving. Jesus commanded us to "give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom" (Lk. 6:38). An opportunity to give is an opportunity to receive it back multiplied or it is an opportunity to sit on or eat the seed. God gives to us not to make us rich but to "multiply your seed for sowing" (2 Cor. 9:10). (2 Cor. 9:6) He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. God follows this with this promise: (8) And God is able to make all grace abound with you, that you having always all sufficiency in everything may abound unto every good work).  On the other hand, he that sits on or eats his seed will have to buy and sell because he is disobedient and has no faith. This is where the merchants of Babylon are. They make "the Father's house a house of merchandise" (Jn. 2:16) when they peddle the word for salaries like the world. Peddling books, tapes, trinkets, chicken dinners, tours, etc., is the way of the world and for those who have an impoverished God. They make "merchandise of the word of God" (2 Cor. 2:17 in Greek). Why would anyone who believed the above promises do this? When a person is not sent by God he does not have faith that God shall supply every need (Phl. 4:19). Where God sends, He supplies. Without God's supernatural supply, people have to resort to other tactics to support "their ministry", like buying and selling.  Another tactic these ministers use is to put God's people under the law to support them when the scripture clearly states that our giving is "not of necessity" (2 Cor. 9:7). Let each man do according as he has purposed in his heart (not according to law); not grudgingly, or of necessity (not according to law), for God loveth a cheerful giver. In the New Testament, God wants an offering from the heart from those born of His Spirit. God made the Old Covenant with the Jews, not the church. If a doctrine like tithing is not in the new covenant, then it was never made with you!   Jesus, rebuking those under the Old Covenant, said "Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye tithe mint and anise and cumin (even their seasoning), and have left undone the weightier matters of the law, Justice and mercy, and faith: but these you ought to have done (past tense in all ancient manuscripts and the Received Text) and not to have left the other undone" (Mt. 23:23). Jesus said tithing was of the law and in the past. Some say tithing was before the law. Yes, circumcision and animal sacrifice were before the law too but they were included in the law, and we are not under law to do them anymore. Paul also said tithing was of the law. (Heb. 7:5) And they indeed of the sons of Levi that receive the priest's office have commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though these have come out of the loins of Abraham: (6) but he whose genealogy is not counted from them hath taken tithes of Abraham, and hath blessed him that hath the promises.   (7) But without any dispute the less is blessed of the better. (8) And here men that die receive tithes; but there one, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. (9) And, so to say, through Abraham even Levi, who receiveth tithes, hath paid tithes; (10) for he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him. (11) Now if there was perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it hath the people received the law), what further need [was there] that another priest should arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be reckoned after the order of Aaron?   There is no New Testament command or request to tithe because we are no longer stewards of ten percent. Jesus taught that we have to renounce ownership of the other ninety percent or we cannot be his disciple. (Lk. 14:33) So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. "All" here means all possessions, rights, and will.   We even must renounce "our" doctrine! It must be the Lord's doctrine. Since we have the Spirit we don't need a law; we are under the law of the Spirit. (Rom. 8:2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. The Spirit will tell where to give and how much and to whom. If everyone gave according to the Spirit the kingdoms of men would crumble and true ministers would be supported.   A person who is under the tithing law robs God because he will disobey the Spirit's command to meet the needs of the brethren around him in order to bring his "tithes into the storehouse", which to them is usually an apostate religious system that won't meet the brethren's needs. The storehouse in the Old Covenant was in the temple. (1 Kings 7:51) Thus all the work that king Solomon wrought in the house of Jehovah was finished. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated, [even] the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, and put them in the treasuries of the house of Jehovah...   In the New Testament the storehouse is in the people, who are His temple. (Mt. 25:34) Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (35) for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; (36) naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. (37) Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink? (38) And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? (39) And when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? (40) And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, [even] these least, ye did it unto me.   (41) Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels: (42) for I was hungry, and ye did not give me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink;(43) I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. (44) Then shall they also answer, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?  (45) Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, In as much as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me. (46) And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life. You see we are called to meet the needs of the brethren. (1Jn. 3:16) Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (17) But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him?   Giving according to the Spirit causes one to fulfill the law without being under the law. (Mt. 5:17) Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil. (18) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished. For instance, a person who gives bountifully will fulfill the ten percent and more, but they do it from the heart and are not seeking to earn God's approval as those under the law. We are not righteous before God when we attempt to please Him by the law, whether tithes, observing the Sabbath, circumcision, abstaining from meats, etc.   (Gal. 2:16) yet knowing that a man is not justified (Greek: accounted righteous) by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified and (3:11) Now that no man is justified by the law before God, is evident: for, The righteous shall live by faith. If we rest every day from our own works we certainly fulfill the Sabbath, without being under the letter of the law.  The righteousness of the law is self-righteousness because it is powered by self but "The righteous shall live from faith" (Gal. 3:11). When ministers of Babylon put you under the law they separate you from God's righteousness and bring you under a curse. Except your righteousness shall exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees (law of tithe included), you shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven (Mt. 5:20). The law is "a yoke of bondage". (Gal. 5:1-3) For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. Yea, I testify again to every man that receiveth circumcision (or tithing, Sabbath, meats, etc.) that he is a debtor to do the whole law.  If you are under any part of the law you are under the curse of having to keep the whole law and since that is impossible you are separated from Christ. (Gal. 3:10) For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is everyone who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them. (5:4) Ye are severed from Christ ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace. Notice: those who put you under the law cut you off from Christ and grace. You cannot hear the voice of Christ and the voice of the law at the same time. "You are not under the law" (5:18).   The merchants of Babylon say, "you are not under the law", when they are talking about obedience to the word, but "bring your tithes into the storehouse," when they talk of money? "In covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you" (2 Pet. 2:3). In verse one of this text we are told this is the false prophets and teachers who bring in destructive heresies (law) and deny Jesus. They deny Jesus by separating Him from His body. "Forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam... who loved the hire of wrong doing" (15).  Friends, if you know a minister, one of the few, who walks by faith and freely gives the true doctrine of God, support him as the scriptures teach. (1 Cor. 9:6) Or I only and Barnabas, have we not a right to forbear working? (7) What soldier ever serveth at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? (8) Do I speak these things after the manner of men? or saith not the law also the same? (9) For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. Is it for the oxen that God careth,   (10) or saith he it assuredly for our sake? Yea, for our sake it was written: because he that ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he that thresheth, [to thresh] in hope of partaking. (11) If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things? (12) If others partake of [this] right over you, do not we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. (13) Know ye not that they that minister about sacred things eat [of] the things of the temple, [and] they that wait upon the altar have their portion with the altar? The Word will be our judge as to whether we are buying and selling with the world.   Witchcraft In Apostate Churches  Tianna Fire 12/8/22 (David's notes in red)    I dreamt that we were driving through a town, but we stopped to get paper and pens from a shop. Samuel waited in the car. There was only one shop in this town that sold items, like a general store. It looked like it used to be white, but it was now a dark and dirty white and it was very old and didn't look like it was well taken care of. The building was an 1800s style house that had been converted into a shop. (The old dirty store represents the apostate church where the true Gospel that was once given is now sold. It has been polluted by religion and false leadership.) Mat 23:27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.   Luk 11:39 And the Lord said unto him, Now YE the Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter; but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness.)  When I got into the shop it was packed with people all standing around and there was also a very long queue. (There are many people looking for the Truth but they are not getting it from the false apostate leaders.)  They had a few items for sale in the part where everyone was waiting but most of the items were kept out in the back of the shop and also in the basement, which was blocked off to the customers. (Like Mormons and JW's they hide a lot of teachings that they know are unacceptable to other Christians. They only reveal these things after they feel they have you on the hook. The false leadership in the apostate churches merchandise very little truth which they sell to the sheep because they don't have the real Gospel to give them. Mat 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter.)  (Col 1:26-27 even the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints, 27 to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 1Co 2:6-7 We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought: 7 but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory:)   So, to get what you wanted you had to wait in line to ask the cashier lady if they stocked it and if they did, you had to wait around until she went and got it. (Waiting around for supplies represents the Nicolaitan error.) Rev 2:14-17 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there some that hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also some that hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans in like manner. 16 Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it.)  There were also people in the queue who hadn't even found out if the shop stocked or even sold their item yet. (People go to the same church for years, looking for Jesus, waiting and never find what they came for and become lukewarm there just accepting what they hear.)   Everyone seemed very distressed, because it was taking such a long time and there were so many people. While I was there, I didn't see anyone receive the item they were waiting for. (Many in apostasy are in distress, continuously praying for healing and provisions and for God to answer prayer, never learning how to receive their needs by faith in prayer. No one learns how to minister to others. They expect the pastor to do everything, because “he is the one in charge” in their churches. This is a part of the Nicolaitan error.)   As I waited in line, I overheard someone talking about Jesus which made me very excited. I joined in their conversation, and they professed to love Jesus, however they seemed to be religious and not understanding spiritual things. But I was still so happy to be able to speak about Jesus and God's Word! Then many other people in there heard us talking about God and they confessed to love Jesus too. I was so happy that there were so many people who loved our Lord.  I started speaking with this married couple who had young children and I blessed and prayed for the children. I then stood closer to them on their right. As I did, I accidentally came too close to a man with his son. This man got very angry and upset with me and I apologized, and I told him that I loved him and his son and I desired God's blessings and love and joy to be upon them both. He became offended at that, and he said he was a Christian and he thought I was rude. (NENT Php 1:9-10 And this I pray, that your love abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; 10 so that ye may approve the things excellent; that ye be sincere and void of offence unto Christ's day.)  (Some people are easily offended, unable to come closer to those who are full of the love of Christ. Pro 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; And such contentions are like the bars of a castle.)  (Pro 19:11 The discretion of a man maketh him slow to anger; And it is his glory to pass over a transgression.)  So I spoke blessings on him and moved on, speaking with other Christians and sharing The Real Good News. It turned out that every person in this shop was a professing Christian. The lady who worked there said that because everyone there were Christians that we should all discuss a topic. Someone shouted to discuss God's Glory! She then brought up a slideshow on a big giant screen that was behind her which had Bible verses related to Glory.  People started sharing their man-made doctrine that used only partial scripture, and not the sum of thy Word. (1Ti 6:3-5 If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain.) (Psa 119:160 The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances endureth for ever.) Someone said that as soon as we start believing in Jesus that we then have God's Glory and nothing else needs to be done. Someone else said that God loves everyone, and everyone will be saved. I felt love for all the people, but I knew what they were saying wasn't true and I desired for them to know the Truth.  (Mat 15:9 But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men. 2Ti 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.)  I was sharing testimonies about what God has done for me and what He has shown me, and as much Truth I could without getting into teaching. They brought up scriptures and used them out of context to say that we are saved automatically when we start believing in Jesus and that nothing else is required. They also spoke about how we are already purified and it doesn't need to manifest on earth. That we will all be the same in Heaven. (The apostate church has very little truth and see only the letter, but error after the teachings of their leadership who are not filled with the Holy Spirit and many times aren't even saved. The “once saved always saved” is just one of their false doctrines. 1Ti 4:1 But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons.)   I was then reminded of these verses: NENT 1Co 15:39-44 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one flesh of men, and another flesh of beasts, and another flesh of birds, and another of fishes. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.)   I knew that these verses revealed what they believe wasn't correct, I wanted to quote these verses to them but then I realized it might be teaching so I didn't say anything. I stood there confused about why all these Christians who profess they love Jesus are twisting the Word and are unaware of the real meaning. I asked God why He didn't want them to know about the star, moon, sun glory and about spirit, soul, body manifesting Jesus on earth. I then heard Him clearly say, "It's not for everyone to know." (Jesus spoke in parables to keep the truth hidden from the religious leaders and those who want to be self-justified in His day and He still does it today. Mat 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables; because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. But those who have ears to hear, will hear and understand.)  So, I walked out of the shop and spoke to Samuel about what happened and we both agreed that we desired for all of them to come into the Kingdom of God, so we interceded on their behalf. (Our Lord interceded for us and we are to pray for others.) 1Ti 2:1 I exhort therefore first of all to make supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, for all men. 4 who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.)  Then Samuel called David Eells to ask for advice. David Eells then physically appeared in front of us. David was a little shorter than I have seen him in videos, and his eyes were a bright blue. (Psa 8:5 For thou hast made him but little lower than God, And crownest him with glory and honor; Blue eyes represent heavenly discernment of the light of truth. Mat 6:22 The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.)  I was surprised that he appeared instantly, but I was so happy to see him and I gave him a big, long hug and I felt so much spiritual love for him and I didn't want to let go of hugging him. I felt love, peace and gentleness radiating from him. (Php 1:8 For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.)  He then said, "You need to go back in there and testify of the Truth." (Sharing a testimony of what a truth did for you is permissible for women. Especially when you are speaking to lost religious people. Teaching the younger women is also permissible. Tit 2:4-5 ASV  that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,  5  to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed:  Teaching men the Word should be left to the men. 1Ti 2:12 ASV  But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness.) So, I walked to go back into the shop, and I heard David and Samuel interceding and speaking the Word as I walked away. (As an example to us Jesus sent out the 12 and then the 70 men to teach the Word of the Kingdom.  They were commissioned to go to all and be bold and stand with God and His Word. Act 22:15 For thou shalt be a witness for him unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.)   (Deu 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be affrighted at them: for Jehovah thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Psa 118:6 Jehovah is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me?)  I walked past a building that was right next to the Christian store. I looked through the door and I saw a lady lying on her back on a couch. I instantly saw in spirit that she was a witch. But in the natural she looked like an attractive woman. She wasn't selling anything in this building, but it looked like she lived there. She had dark hair and light, white-blue eyes (Dark hair represents submitted to darkness. Her eyes represent a false light, which is similar to what I have seen in people in real life who are involved in the occult.) (This woman could represent church denominations and we know that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. 1Sa 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim….)  She was dressed very seductively with red lipstick, heavy eye makeup and she was wearing a crop top, a short purple skirt and long black boots. I saw into her soul and saw she was intending to do evil. (Job 15:35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity, And their heart prepareth deceit. Pro 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; Mar 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, evil thoughts proceed, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries…)  I saw that she would physically be resting in her shop but through witchcraft in the spiritual realm, she would seduce random people who walked past this building and would come into her. She wouldn't always sleep with the people, but she would give them even more demons and lead them into deeper sin. (Demons are transferred through sex and by accepting the thoughts of lies, slander, gossip, etc., and by words of agreement with the sensual desires. (Temptations of the lust of the flesh.) We have protection from all this when we obey God and keep His commandments.)  (Pro 7:5-13 That they [My commandments and wisdom] may keep thee from the strange woman, [Harlot] From the foreigner that flattereth with her words. 6 For at the window of my house I looked forth through my lattice; 7 And I beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, A young man void of understanding, 8 Passing through the street near her corner; And he went the way to her house, 9 In the twilight, in the evening of the day, In the middle of the night and in the darkness. 10 And, behold, there met him a woman With the attire of a harlot, and wily of heart. 11 She is clamorous and wilful; Her feet abide not in her house: 12 Now she is in the streets, now in the broad places, And lieth in wait at every corner. 13 So she caught him, and kissed him, … (The kiss represents her words.)   Pro 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death.)  She then tried to project witchcraft onto me and I saw the witchcraft, which kind of looked like frequencies or rays of electricity come out of her to touch me. It was blocked a few feet in front of me because there was a bubble of protection all around me in the spiritual, and nothing could get through the bubble. She was surprised at this and couldn't comprehend what happened. (Those who love the Truth will be protected from their deceptions. Eph 6:10-13 ASV  Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.  11  Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12  For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13  Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.)  I blessed her and kept walking to the Christian shop. I was wondering why they set up a shop right next to a witch. (The apostate church is compared to a harlot because they receive not the seed of her husband. This is witchcraft.)  I went back into the store and I stood at a specific corner where I could see everyone in the room. I spoke to everyone who would listen, giving my testimony of the Truth of the Word. I could see in the spirit, and through walls. I saw witchcraft projecting from the witch directly into this shop; it came out like tentacles and would wrap around a person and quickly pull them into where she was. It seemed that if the person's will and desire was to go where the woman was, they'd be taken. People were left in the shop if it wasn't their will to follow her. (1Sa 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because thou hast rejected the word of Jehovah,... Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge…)   (2 Cor 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ.)   I saw the long tentacle grab onto one Christian man, and he became aroused, and he ran out of the shop and into the other women's shop. I then saw it happen again, but differently. This next person was not taken by physical arousal, but they had a weak spot of coveting, and they were convinced that by going to the witch, they would get all the money they wanted. It was as if this witch knew every person's weak spot and she would attract each person using their weak spot. (The demons see and know in the spirit realm how to work in spirit groupings of seduction using the lusts of the flesh and the sin nature. But if they would submit to God's Word and resist the devil he would flee. I have seen people drawn into faction through selfish ambition, jealousy and rejection.)  I watched this lady in spirit attract each Christian out of the store one by one, like an octopus using its tentacles to draw its prey. When the witchcraft would come upon each person, they would quickly change and would run over to where the witch was, not thinking about anything else. Every time the witchcraft would come into the store, I would be supernaturally lifted up high to the roof where I could see everything. I was up so high that it couldn't touch me, nor could any human touch me. (Dwelling in heavenly places in Christ, we are protected from evil.)  I watched every person in the store get taken in the spirit into where the witch was until I was left alone in the store. (The Christians in this shop were part of the apostate church and not equipped with the Spirit and Word. Having no ability to fight against the temptations of the flesh. They were seduced by the harlot and her witchcraft, so they gave into their lusts. God sovereignly protects His elect and He will deliver them from the works of darkness at an appointed time. The enemy works to tempt people away from the Kingdom of God and cause them to fall away.)      Apostate Church Vanity   Tianna Fire 1/26/23 (David's notes in red)     I dreamt that Samuel and I were driving, and we saw this giant building to our left, sitting on a very large area of land, and it had a big cross on it. There were no cars parked outside, so it looked like no one was there. Because we saw the cross, we thought that we should leave them a Sovereign God book. So, we parked out front and went up to a window and looked inside the building. A few women were there and when they saw us, they came out quickly. We did not want to talk to them, only to just leave the book and go.   One of the women that came out, was a woman that worked at the grocery store, and she was always there when Samuel went to get groceries, so Samuel knew her. Another woman was the wife of a man that kept inviting us to his church, but we didn't want to visit his church. We now realized that this building was his church.    They urged us to come inside and we didn't want to hurt their feelings, so we said we would come in quickly just to see the place. When we went inside, it appeared 20 times bigger than what the outside looked like. (Like the megachurches.) One of the ladies told me to go to the children's section because I was carrying David. I honestly didn't want to, but I didn't want to upset her so I just did what she said. (Pro 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.) I walked to the back of the building and entered this large colorful room that had an indoor children's playground, and many children running around and there were a couple of people watching them play.  I felt this was vanity and a distraction from Jesus. I then saw a poster listing different activities during the week for children and one of them was like child daycare. All the activities were vanity and had nothing to do with Jesus. Samuel and I prefer having David always with us, so I said, “Well there's no reason for me to be here because we aren't doing the daycare thing, and we only want to do things involving Jesus.”  So, I turned to leave and go find Samuel, but I got lost in the large building. There were so many different rooms and hallways and everything was set up weird. (The apostate church system causes confusion to ensnare people.)  Then a man came running out of a room and said something with much excitement for me to go look where he just came from. I didn't want to be rude to him, so I just followed him and he led me into a massive library, and all the walls and shelves were all sorts of bright colors. I commented on how I love all the bright colors, especially the bright yellow. (The attraction of bright colors arouse the senses and emotions to please the flesh. Pro 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death.)   There were people sitting around a table discussing a book that wasn't the Bible and there were many large shelves with thousands of books. I asked him about the books and about Jesus, and he said most books here are not really about Jesus and if they were, they contained incorrect doctrine. Which confused me because this was a church, so I expected everything to be about Jesus. (The apostate church leaders write many books about another Jesus, another Gospel and merchandise the people. It's all their works of the flesh. 2Co 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if ye receive a different spirit, which ye did not receive, or a different gospel, which ye did not accept, ye do well to bear with him. 1Ti 6:3 If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 he is puffed up, knowing nothing…)   I wondered what type of Bibles they had, and I couldn't find Bibles anywhere. I thought maybe I should leave a Sovereign God book here so God can lead the right person to find it. (Hos 4:1 Hear the word of Jehovah, ye children of Israel; for Jehovah hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor goodness, nor knowledge of God in the land.)   The man that led me into this room started hitting on me, and I thought this was crazy, this is a church and supposed to be brethren in Christ, and I am married. I ignored the man and ran out of there to go find Samuel, but I couldn't find him anywhere. I walked around the entire place searching for Samuel, and I saw all different types of people, supposedly Christians, although no one was talking about Jesus. I was wondering, ‘Jesus where are you? I can't find you anywhere in this place, although they say that you are here.' (Like the Shulamite in Song of Solomon: Son 5:6…I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. 7 The watchmen that go about the city found me, They smote me, they wounded me…)  I felt this whole place which claimed to be a house of God, had all the world mixed in it and the place felt corrupted and defiled and I couldn't see or feel the presence of God anywhere or in anyone. (The apostate church is a mixed multitude; the world is Babylon, from Babel, which means confusion and includes the harlot churches.) (Mat 23:28 Thus ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but inwardly are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.)  The whole building layout was completely confusing and so easy to get lost but I finally found the way to get out. Once outside I noticed heaps of people all gathered around at a café, and others standing around. And there were about 20 different small shops set up with many people everywhere. (This is how the megachurches are set up to draw the multitudes to network, socialize and merchandising.)   I was confused as to why no one is talking about Jesus; I felt no Spirit of God there, and I wondered why Samuel is missing? At this point I was disappointed that no one here really loves Jesus. I no longer cared what anyone thought of me anymore. I didn't want to do what they all wanted me to do, or think I had to be kind to them and agree to their requests.  So, I looked up at the sky and screamed out, "Jesus!” “Jesus where are you, Jesus?!” I think everyone around me thought I was crazy but I wanted Jesus and all these people claimed to be following Jesus but clearly were not. (Some in the apostate harlot churches are looking for Jesus, but don't always find the real Jesus...  Son 3:1-4 By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 2 I said, I will rise now, and go about the city; In the streets and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 3 The watchmen that go about the city found me; To whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? 4 It was but a little that I passed from them, When I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, Until I had brought him into my mother's house, And into the chamber of her that conceived me.)  I started walking past the shops, when this toddler ran up to me and told me that his father needed a new wife and asked me to be his new mum. I kindly told him that I already have a husband and he ran back to his father. I thought this place was so strange.     I looked into the shops as I continued to walk by. In one of the stores people were fighting and I thought this isn't how children of God are to behave. In another store they were selling cigarettes and things like that, and I was shocked as we knew those things were wrong. Another store had people looking at me strangely as if I wasn't from this world. (We are not of this world, as Jesus said in Joh 17:16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. To the average Christian, we appear out of place.) Then in another store, a man catcalled. At every store everything was completely overpriced and had nothing to do with Jesus, and no one was manifesting the fruit of Christ. I kept saying, “vanity, vanity, all is vanity.” (Ecc 1:2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; vanity of vanities, all is vanity.)  Everything in this ‘supposed church' was corrupt and had nothing to do with Jesus and I couldn't understand why. I just wanted to leave but I couldn't find Samuel anywhere. I finally got through these shops and into an area where there were no people. I asked God what He wanted me to do. He told me to go back there, and I said, “Lord nothing there has anything to do with You, and it's all corrupt and I don't want to go back.” He told me to go back and tell them all about His real Son Jesus and the Truth. So, I turned around and walked back the exact same way I came.  I opened the door to the first store and shared the real gospel, and they rejected it so I went to the next store and told them, and they wanted nothing to do with it either. (Mat 10:40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. Luk 10:16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that rejecteth you rejecteth me; and he that rejecteth me rejecteth him that sent me.)  I turned around and saw two police officers going around into the exact same stores I had just left. It was as if they were following my steps, however I felt they were going to the places where I shared the Truth and we're exposing the corruption and arresting the evil. (The police may be the angels. Eph 5:11 and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them;)  I went into each shop sharing the Truth, but they all rejected it. So, I went into the café area and shared the Truth there, but everyone just wanted to go on with what they were doing and justifying their sin and corruption. I walked back into the children's area and library and testified of Jesus. (Like Jesus taught His disciples and the apostle Paul says in Act 20:21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 … that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Ministering the Gospel of Christ.)  I went to every person I saw and told them the Truth which finally led me to finding Samuel who was speaking to the leaders of this church. As soon as I got next to Samuel we walked straight out to the car and left.       UBM House Sanctified And Protected  Tianna Fire 4/25/23 (David's notes in red)  I dreamed that Michael, David and other brethren and I were living in my gramps Alan's old house. (Alan means harmony, little rock, and precious. This house represents the house of God's chosen or the elect, who are built on the Rock, which is Jesus Christ. 1Co 10:4 and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them: and the rock was Christ. 1Pe 2:6-8 Because it is contained in scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame. 7 For you therefore that believe is the preciousness: but for such as disbelieve, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner; 8 and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.)  On one side of the house was a very large lounge room where all the brethren would gather for prayer, Bible studies and fellowship. There was a long hallway that led to the other side of the house where all the bedrooms were located. David's and Michael's rooms were located upstairs on the next level. (In an upper room, as overseers, overlooking the others.) Upstairs, David and Michael had their own small living room area to seek the Lord and write up their teachings received from Jesus. I remember they spent very much time there seeking God together, and individually, praying and studying the Word; but they would share the Word with everyone in the lounge room in God's perfect timing.   The brethren who cooked meals, would sometimes bring food up to Michael and David because they were at times so focused and absorbed in the Word and Spirit of God. All the brethren had specific chores around the property, such as cleaning, cooking and gardening and other important tasks, relieving Michael and David and others, so they could spend more time with the Lord in prayer, worship and the Word. (All the members of the Body of Christ have their gifts and individual roles to serve and edify each other. (1Co Ch. 12 and 14) Act 6:2-4 And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.)  The kitchen area was in the center of the house. (Where the unleavened bread is prepared. 2Ch 7:7 Moreover Solomon hallowed the middle of the court that was before the house of Jehovah;) The house was set up on a hill (Mt Zion) on a large amount of land, approximately five acres. (grace) Outside the house was a large, covered area for gathering, and there was a lake located at the bottom of the hill. The whole property was fenced. (Protected by sanctification.) On the adjoining neighbors' side were many trees and much bush so there was decent privacy. The neighbors were not able to come over the property line even if they wanted to; it was as if there was an invisible shield or wall. (The wall is sanctification from the worldly.)   They could only come in contact with us if we were off our private property or if we gave them permission to come onto our property. (If we are “off the private property” or “giving permission” this represents giving place to the enemy by any sin of unbelief, rejection, criticism, unforgiveness, willful sin, etc. When we walk in holiness (sanctification, abiding in Christ, in heavenly places) the enemy is bound and cannot legally be on our “property” (promised land.) 1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, 9 whom withstand stedfast in your faith…)   (Isa 35:8 And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for the redeemed: the wayfaring men, yea fools, shall not err therein.)  One time I went into the large lounge room and towards the right of the room. Michael, David and some other brethren were there deep in prayer. On a table sat a laptop computer which was turned on. I looked at the screen and saw they were watching a live conference of satanists gathered from around the world. All the brethren in the lounge room were in intense spiritual warfare and prayer against it. (I felt the conference being live online represents all evil being brought into the light and nothing is hidden before God. Also, the Man-Child and Bride body are in spiritual warfare, praying down satan's faction, witchcraft and D-S attempts.)   As I watched, HRC (Hillary Clinton) appeared on the laptop screen and I saw the pure evil and high level fallen angels inside of her and the presence of evil was so intense, that I had to turn away from looking at it. Sometimes the evil spiritual realm is too intense for me, so I couldn't bring myself to look at the conference anymore, but I instead just sat further away, and prayed in tongues and I was in complete agreement with what the brethren prayed, and I knew that our prayers would be answered.   (We also send the angels to bring down satan and his angels dominion. We have been gaining great victories this way with much less effort as in Rev 12:7-11 ASV  And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels going forth to war with the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels;  8  and they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9  And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.  10  And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night.  11  And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death. All the brethren were in intense prayer all day until it was just David, Michael and myself and my son David, still praying at around 3am. Then I took my son David into our room at the other end of the house.   Later, some brethren had to drive somewhere, and two men that I felt were like our bodyguards (angels) came to us and said the enemy was waiting for us. From the house there was a long driveway down the hill to the main road, where we could only go right to leave, we couldn't go left, there was only one way. (The Word of God, Who is Jesus, the one way path of righteousness.) Suddenly, our eyes were opened, (anointing) and we could see through walls, bushes and everything and we were able to see on the main road where some people who were against us were hiding behind a bush waiting for us (an ambush). But because we were able to see the enemy's plans, we were able to avoid the danger, pray it down and knew what to do and what not to do. (The Lord reveals the enemy and their traps, and the hidden dangers by the spiritual gifts, in words of wisdom, words of knowledge, visions and gift of discernment and the angels also tell us of them.) When it was clear they were able to continue.  The neighbors in the house next door did not like us, and they were always devising plans of attack against us in some way, but by God's grace, their plans were exposed and always failed. (God reveals the curses and witchcraft of the factious and apostate leaders to us through dreams and visions, so we can pray it down.) I remember in the dream how one of these men repented to follow Jesus and he joined us. The wife of one these men also decided to follow Jesus and she was on fire for God. She was pregnant and would regularly fellowship with us bringing her five children with her. She didn't want to leave her unbelieving husband because she believed God would soon reveal Himself to him too so he would be saved. (1Co 7:13-14 And the woman that hath an unbelieving husband, and he is content to dwell with her, let her not leave her husband. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.  1Pe 3:1-2 In like manner, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives; 2 beholding your chaste behavior coupled with fear.)  There was another UBM camp a little further away in a wooded area (The wooded area represents the wilderness.) and the house was a large wooden cabin. We would regularly meet together for fellowship with the few brethren who lived there. I don't remember what their area of ministering was, but it was different from the one we were in. I remember they had a slide that went off the cabin deck and it went further down onto the property. (This cabin in the woods represents the many other places of refuge that God has provided that are scattered all over the world. Some of these may be part of the UBM ministry.) 

From Come Follow Me:When John and Jude wrote their epistles, corrupt doctrine had already started leading many Saints into apostasy. Some false teachers were even questioning whether Jesus Christ had actually appeared “in the flesh” (see, for example, 1 John 4:1–3; 2 John 1:7). What could a Church leader do in such a situation? The Apostle John responded by sharing his personal witness of the Savior: “This is the testimony which we give of that which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life” (Joseph Smith Translation, 1 John 1:1 [in 1 John 1:1, footnote a]). And then John taught about love: God's love for us and the love we should have for Him and all His children. After all, John was a witness of that, too. He had personally experienced the Savior's love (see John 13:23; 20:2), and he wanted the Saints to feel that same love. John's testimony and teachings on love are just as needed today, when faith in Jesus Christ is questioned and false teachings abound. Reading John's epistles can help us face today's adversities with courage, for “there is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18).**********************The thoughts, ideas, and beliefs we express on this channel do not officially represent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  For additional information or official statements, please visit the website below.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng#biblestudy #oldtestament #religion #churchofjesuschrist #ldspodcast #christianpodcast #missionary #lds #biblestories #christ #faith #faithinchrist #scriptures #bookofmormon #doctrineandcovenants #pearlofgreatprice #temples #houseofthelord #mormon #mormonbeliefs #chritiansandmormons #god #endure #ironrod #faithineveryfootstep #generalconference #prophets #followtheprophet #commandments #love #service #charity #keepstriving #keeponstriving #gospelgrowthandgoodtimes #become #newtestamentSupport the show

Isaiah Saldivar rejects the gospel of faith alone in Christ alone, and he rejects once saved always saved. This series will show how he misinterprets the scriptures to fit his way of thinking. The video used is titled "God told me some "Christians" will go to HELL." !!! We do not desire to degrade the individual, but rather we desire to expose the error in the teaching in hopes to spread the true message of by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone !!! HOW TO HAVE ETERNAL LIFE : https://youtu.be/t_6L7E_mfIw VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRpNhBA1Ia4 Isaiah Saldivar: @IsaiahSaldivar SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/c/bibleline LIKE https://www.facebook.com/biblelinemin TWEET https://www.twitter.com/biblelinemin COMMENT ask us a question! SHARE with all your friends and family Do you have a Bible question? Send your question to questions@biblelineministries.org! Support Bibleline - https://www.calvaryoftampa.org/donate/ Bibleline is a ministry of Calvary Community Church in Tampa, Florida and is hosted by Pastor Jesse Martinez. LIKE THIS? CHECK THESE GUYS OUT: https://www.youtube.com/c/Northlandchurchstc (Tom Cucuzza) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdddWVKMcM9c-SjUR1LZTBw (Jim Scudder) https://www.youtube.com/c/NorthsideChurchAthens (Freddie Coile) https://www.youtube.com/user/biblelinebroadcast (Yankee Arnold) https://www.youtube.com/c/TheKeesBoerMinistryChannel (Kees Boer) #isaiahsaldivar #godtoldme #bibleline #christians #hell #heaven #luke13 #osas #losesalvation #saldivar #salvation #falseconverts #falseteaching #doctrine #pastorreacts #reaction #response

Romans 3–4 Romans 3–4 (Listen) God's Righteousness Upheld 3 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written,   “That you may be justified in your words,    and prevail when you are judged.” 5 But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) 6 By no means! For then how could God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie God's truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? 8 And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just. No One Is Righteous 9 What then? Are we Jews1 any better off?2 No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written:   “None is righteous, no, not one;11     no one understands;    no one seeks for God.12   All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;    no one does good,    not even one.”13   “Their throat is an open grave;    they use their tongues to deceive.”  “The venom of asps is under their lips.”14     “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”15   “Their feet are swift to shed blood;16     in their paths are ruin and misery,17   and the way of peace they have not known.”18     “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being3 will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. The Righteousness of God Through Faith 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law. Abraham Justified by Faith 4 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in4 him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: 7   “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,    and whose sins are covered;8   blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” 9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. The Promise Realized Through Faith 13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness5 of Sarah's womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Footnotes [1] 3:9 Greek Are we [2] 3:9 Or at any disadvantage? [3] 3:20 Greek flesh [4] 4:5 Or but trusts; compare verse 24 [5] 4:19 Greek deadness (ESV)

All this week we're looking at the Apostle Paul's New Testament letters and some trustworthy statements that we must know, embrace, and communicate to our kids. These are life-giving truths that must be completely accepted and believed. In I Timothy 4, verses eight and nine, we read this: “”Godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.” Our kids need to know that there is a double blessing that comes when we place our faith in Jesus Christ and live to his glory. Charles Spurgeon calls these the blessings of earthly and heavenly springs, or of time and eternity. Paul is talking here about engaging spiritual exercise, the benefits of which are showered on us both in the present and the future. Teach your kids to study, understand, and apply the truths of the Scriptures to their everyday living. Lead your kids to embrace that which is trustworthy.

James and Justina Page are college sweethearts who have been married for more than 35 years. James is an Associate Pastor and singer/musician in Houston, Texas, whereas Justina is an award-winning author, international speaker, lyricist and actor. Justina is also the founder and CEO of The Amos House of Faith, a non-profit organization serving the burn community. Together they have inspired individuals from all walks of life by their commitment to marriage and their faith in Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1–3 Galatians 1–3 (Listen) Greeting 1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—2 and all the brothers1 who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. No Other Gospel 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. 10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant2 of Christ. Paul Called by God 11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.3 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born,4 and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to5 me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;6 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me. Paul Accepted by the Apostles 2 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery—5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. Paul Opposes Peter 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.7 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” Justified by Faith 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified8 by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. 17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness9 were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. By Faith, or by Works of the Law? 3 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by10 the flesh? 4 Did you suffer11 so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify12 the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. The Righteous Shall Live by Faith 10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”13 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit14 through faith. The Law and the Promise 15 To give a human example, brothers:15 even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise. 19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave16 nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. Footnotes [1] 1:2 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 11 [2] 1:10 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface [3] 1:11 Greek not according to man [4] 1:15 Greek set me apart from my mother's womb [5] 1:16 Greek in [6] 1:16 Greek with flesh and blood [7] 2:12 Or fearing those of the circumcision [8] 2:16 Or counted righteous (three times in verse 16); also verse 17 [9] 2:21 Or justification [10] 3:3 Or now ending with [11] 3:4 Or experience [12] 3:8 Or count righteous; also verses 11, 24 [13] 3:11 Or The one who by faith is righteous will live [14] 3:14 Greek receive the promise of the Spirit [15] 3:15 Or brothers and sisters [16] 3:28 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface (ESV)

All this week we're looking at the Apostle Paul's New Testament letters and some trustworthy statements that we must know, embrace, and communicate to our kids. These are life-giving truths that must be completely accepted and believed. In First Timothy 1:15 Paul writes, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” In world where a culture of marketing offers all kinds of false redeemers, our kids need to learn that the hole in their souls is God-shaped. Consequently, it can only be filled by God through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Material possessions, social status, and personal achievements can never fill us, save us, or make us whole. Our kids need to learn that when they make idols of these things, the end result is only increased emptiness. Their yearning is ultimately for a restored relationship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ. Are you leading your kids to live out that which is true and trustworthy?

In order to be saved, a person needs to place their faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is absolutely critical then for Christians to be willing to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who still need to hear it.

What if the ultimate battle of good versus evil was happening right under your nose? With a dramatic exploration of the destruction and binding of the most infamous adversary, this episode takes you on a spiritual journey to unpack the narrative of Satan's defeat. Starting with the perplexing question of how Satan, if destroyed by Christ's death, could be bound for a thousand years in the future, we delve into the nitty-gritty of faith, redemption, and eternal destruction. We also address the contentious belief held by some about the annihilation of unbelievers, all the while emphasizing God's justice in condemning those who reject the truth.Brace yourself as you're introduced to the immense power of Christ and the sovereignty of God. This episode is a testament to Christ's victory over Satan, a victory that was not confined to the nation of Israel but extended to mankind. As we journey through the chapters, we categorize humanity into two types: Believers and non-believers, shedding light on the immutable power of truth even in the face of the enemy's persistent attempts to discredit it. This episode also elucidates God's dual role as the elector and savior, offering a fresh perspective on faith.As we venture further, this episode challenges you to evaluate your understanding of the power and defeat of Satan. Highlighting Christ's victory through his sacrifice, we debunk misconceptions about exorcisms and supernatural abilities while underlining the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ. Instead of providing an undue focus on Satan, we encourage listeners to fortify their faith, emphasis on prayer, and trust in God. In a world often blinded by fear and confusion, this episode reminds you of Christ's triumph over Satan, helping you reaffirm your faith and celebrate His victory.Support the show

Get ready for an extraordinary episode of the Wired Differently Podcast with Author, Speaker, and Motivational Change Agent Todd Saylor. In "Sell Out, Ready or Not Here We Come: I'll Do My Best!" Todd introduces us to a remarkable young basketball standout, Judah, who is unveiling groundbreaking basketball sneakers adorned with Bible verses—the first of their kind.

Christ, son of David and the Son of God is the meticulous, precise Bible interpreter and also the meticulous, precise Savior. - SERMON TRANSCRIPT - I. A Precise God Speaks a Precise Word Turn in your Bibles to Mark 12. We're looking this morning at verses 35-37. Anyone who knows me knows I have an esteem for church history. I love church history. One of my favorite people to study are the Puritans who were English Christians in the 16th, 17th century. They were remarkable people who accomplished far more than most ever do because they knew the God they believed in, and they sought to orchestrate every aspect of their lives in conformity with what they read in Scripture. They were meticulous and precise in the way that they lived. They were precise in their doctrine, very careful in their doctrine. They were precise in their public worship. They were precise in their Sabbath observances, in their family lives, in their private prayers, in their secular employments, in their politics. They tied everything to the perfect truths they saw in the Word of God. One Puritan pastor, Richard Rogers, ministered in Essex and was told by a wealthy nobleman in his parish, "Mr. Rogers, I like you and your company, your group very well, but I find that you are too precise." Rogers replied, "Oh, sir, I serve a precise God.” We serve a precise God, and evidence of the precision of God surrounds us every moment in the universe that we live in. We see in His meticulous, in His careful creation, evidence of His precision. Advances in science over recent centuries have shown how just precise the universe really is. I was reading a book recently by Eric Metaxas called Is Atheism Dead? He argues that recent advances in science have made atheism more and more unreasonable. In it, Metaxas talks about arch-atheist evolutionist and enemy of the gospel, Richard Dawkins, who is relentless in his hatred of Christianity. He goes all over the world to ridicule and to debunk Christianity, but in an unguarded moment was asked, "Of all of the arguments for the existence of God, which do you find most difficult to overcome?" He said, "That's easy. The evidence of a finely tuned universe, that the universe has physical constants that are so precise, if they deviated even a tiny, tiny amount, life would be impossible. Actually, existence would be impossible, and there's a stacking up of these that makes it difficult to refute the evidence of a precise God who made them all." Classic example of this is what's called the “Goldilocks” planet that we live on. You remember the story of Goldilocks and the three bears, how this wanderer comes into a cabin and finds some porridge, and the first bowl is too hot and the second bowl is too cold, the third bowl is just right. The same thing happens with the chair and with the bed and all that. Earth is like that, it’s the Goldilocks planet. The distance from the sun, Venus is too close, so it's too hot, Mars is too far, so it's too cold. The earth is just right. Also the gravitational force of the earth, the power of gravity is just right to retain the gases in the atmosphere necessary for life. The atmosphere itself is just right. When it comes to oxygen, 21% of the air you breathe is oxygen, 78% is nitrogen. If there were more oxygen, things would be igniting all the time around us, burning, combusting. If they were too little, we would have trouble staying alive. So it is with water. Water is weird. I know we're used to it, but it's just a weird substance. It's got some amazing attributes. For example, simply the fact that the solid form of it floats in the liquid form, ice floats. Because of that, then ice floats to the top in lakes and ponds and rivers and doesn't descend to the bottom where the sunlight could never reach it. And eventually, it would quench out life because of an ice age. So it is with the genetic code of every cell in your body, the DNA, the string of proteins. They are so meticulous and precise that if anything were deviated at all, life would be impossible. These are examples of a precise God and His precision in creations around us all the time. This precise God also had a precise plan for human history and for our existence. All the days ordained for each one of us were written in God's book before one of them came to be. That's true not just of us individually, but it's true of the entire flow of human history. God ordained a precise sequence of nations and empires, kingdoms and smaller nations to rise and fall in exactly the way He ordained. In Acts 17:26, it says, "From one man, He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth." He determined the time set for them in the exact places where they should live. That's a precise God orchestrating all of human history. "This precise God also had a precise plan for human history and for our existence. All the days ordained for each one of us were written in God's book before one of them came to be. That's true not just of us individually, but it's true of the entire flow of human history." At the center of that precise plan by this precise God was a plan for the salvation of sinners like you and me from every tribe and language and people and nation. Peter in preaching on his great Pentecost sermon said this in Acts 2:23, "This Jesus was delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God. And this one you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men." That's a precise plan concerning Jesus, that He would be born, as Galatians tells us, in the fullness of time at just the right time in history, and according to this plan, He was killed. This precise plan was predicted in a precise book. This is the precise book, the Bible, and in it is a set of precise prophecies meticulously laid out in the Hebrew language, in Hebrew letters in the Old Testament. This morning we're going to see the precise son of God, Jesus making a surprising observation and drawing a stunning conclusion from one verse in scripture, a psalm, actually based on one word in that psalm actually based on one letter, the ending letter of that one word. Everything comes down to that one letter. That's the precision of Jesus and the argument He's going to make today. Jesus spoke about the precision of scripture and His esteem for it in the Sermon of the Mount in Matthew 5:17 and 1, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a pen stroke will pass from the law until all is accomplished." KJV has “jot and tittle”. But it's just an iota, which is a Greek letter. But Jesus was actually referring, I believe, to the Hebrew letter, the yod. You can see in Psalm 119 the shape and some of the English translation, the shape of the various letters. It's hard to see the relative size, but the yod is the smallest Hebrew letter. It looks like an apostrophe, like the apostrophe as like the possessive that we use, apostrophe. It's like a little apostrophe. It's pronounced ye, like a Y sound. That's what a yod is. The pen stroke refers to the way that the letters are shaped, like the finishing of a letter, what some printers will call a serif. On the end of a letter, it gives a shape of a letter. Jesus is saying, "Until heaven and earth pass away, not a single yod will disappear and not a single pen stroke will disappear from the law until everything that God ordained in the scriptures is fulfilled." Actually, He said that His own words would outlast heaven and earth. "Heaven and earth will pass away. My words will never pass away." This meticulous Scripture gave rise to a very meticulous Jewish culture. The Jews were very precise over the written word of God. They knew that there were 613 commands in the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. 613 commands. They knew that 248 of them were positive and 365 were negative. Doesn't it make you wonder what they did with their time? They're there walking through and categorizing that, that’s what they did. The Scribes also counted letters in each of the books that they copied. They meticulously counted the letters. They knew the middle letter of each book and they knew, indeed, the middle letter of the Pentateuch. I bet you're wondering what it is. It's a vav, which is a W in the Hebrew word for belly in Leviticus 11:42. That's the middle Hebrew letter, and they would count forward and count back, and if they didn't arrive at that vav, they knew something was wrong somewhere. That was the precision. Jesus applies this kind of meticulous precision to prophecy in Psalm 110. In Psalm 110 in verse 1, His entire argument comes down to a single letter in the Hebrew. Actually, it is the letter yod, the one I mentioned earlier, the little ye sound, the little apostrophe. With that closing letter in the way the Hebrew words are formed, the word adon, which means Lord, is turned, possessive, adoni, my Lord. The whole thing comes down to that. How is it that David, writing that, called Messiah, His son, my Lord? It all comes down to one letter. That's the precision here. What is the goal? What is Jesus' goal? The goal is the same goal that there is in Scripture. He's not trying to ensnare or trap people or prove His intelligence or His meticulous nature; none of the above. He wants to save sinners. It's salvation; that's His goal. For that is the purpose of scripture. 2 Timothy 3:15 says, “The holy scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.” II. The Central Question: Who Is Jesus? The whole thing comes down to the identity of Jesus. Who is Jesus? That is the focal point of this conversation. Jesus brings it up. It is the final week of Jesus' life. It is the Wednesday of Holy Week. Jesus' enemies are coming at Him in waves trying to trip Him up. They want to condemn Him to death. They're coming at Him concerning His sense of His own identity. That is essential also to our own salvation. All four Gospels, I believe, are written for the same purpose as the Gospel of John. John 20:31 says, "These are written." You can put that on all four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. "These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God," or perhaps God the Son, "and that by believing that, you may have life," that is eternal life, "in His name." It all comes down to the identity of Jesus. Jesus' enemies are openly challenging Him concerning His identity and His authority. Back in the previous chapter, Mark 11:27, 28, while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priest, the teachers of the law, the elders came to Him. "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you authority to do this?" They're asking Him His authority to cleanse the temple or to teach. Who do you think you are? This brings us right to Jewish conceptions of the Messiah, the Christ. Throughout history in Jesus' day, even up to our own time, Jewish people have conceived of the Messiah as purely human and only human. He would be a ruler, powerful, mighty in battle, able to defeat Israel, Gentile foes and conquer their lands, bringing in a worldwide Jewish empire of immense power and worldly wealth. That was what He would be. Then, having conquered all the Gentile foes of Israel, He would sit on a throne in righteousness and justice in Jerusalem and rule to the ends of the earth. But it was purely a human conception. He would be militarily powerful and He would bring in worldly wealth to the Jewish nation. Mighty, yes, powerful in battle, absolutely, wise in rulership, of course, but human only. Their fundamental answer, which they give in the text, and we'll walk through that in a moment, is the Christ, the Messiah, is the son of David, which in their mind basically meant another David. What David was, that's what the son of David will be. Maybe better, maybe more powerful, maybe wiser, but still just a human king. That's all. That's how they conceived of it, another David. Certainly not a savior of souls before a wrath-filled holy judge. They didn't think they needed that. As the book of Roman says, they sought to establish their own righteousness by the law. They didn't think they needed any help. They didn't conceive of the Christ, the Messiah being a savior from sin. They didn't think they needed it. They certainly didn't conceive of the Jewish Messiah being a savior for Gentiles so that there would be, in the end, one new people, Jew and Gentile together in one beautiful, worldwide kingdom. They didn't conceive of any of that. The Jewish leaders are there, and they hate Jesus. They're opposed to Him. They're fighting Him. The Scribes, Pharisees, elders, chief priests, teachers of the law, they all banded together in overt hatred of Jesus. Why is that? Jesus had assaulted their concept of religion, He had assaulted their conception of their own righteousness, He openly challenged their interpretations of the laws of Moses, especially on Sabbath regulations He exposed their hypocrisy. He called them lost. He called them blind leading the blind. He said their righteousness was like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but inside full of corruption, so they hated Him with a passion. Furthermore, He had openly exposed their financial greed, how the whole religious system that they ran there at the temple made them a den of thieves. They were jealous of His popularity with the crowds. The crowds were wildly in love with Jesus, and they were jealous of that, so they hated Him. They especially despised His claims to be divine. He said, "Before Abraham was born, I am." They picked up stones to stone Him. When they're questioning Him healing on the Sabbath, Jesus said, "My Father is always working to this very day, and I too am working." They hated Him all the more because He made Himself equal with God, claiming to be God. They considered His claims to be God to be open blasphemy, and they wanted to kill Him. They come on this final week of His life, the Wednesday of Holy Week, with a series of questions, one after the other, wave upon wave. The Pharisees banded together with the Herodians to ask their most devious and dangerous question about taxation. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? They figured they had Him either way. If He said, "No, we shouldn't pay taxes to Caesar," then Caesar will hear of it and, through Pontius Pilate, put Him to death. But if He says we should pay taxes, then they will look on Him as a collaborator, like a tax collector, and they'll hate Him. He'll lose the patriotic Jews. They figure they have Him either way. But Jesus, with His supernatural wisdom and knowledge, gave an answer they couldn't deal with, render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God’s. Then the Sadducees banded together, they who deny the resurrection. They come with that ridiculous test case about seven brothers married to one woman, et cetera, and thus proving they thought by the law of Moses that resurrection is impossible. Jesus exposed their error. You're in error because you don't know the Scriptures or the power of God, and proved the resurrection. Then some other Pharisees get together to ask them which law or which commandment is the greatest? The problem was the one they chose you ask actually wanted to know the answer. He actually yearned to know the truth. They have a much more favorable exchange in Mark's Gospel than you see in the other Gospels. Jesus told the man, "You're not far from the kingdom of God,” because the man genuinely wanted to know the answer and wanted to live it out. But now the time has come for Jesus to turn the tables. "You're asking me a series of questions. I have a question for you." He brings up this question. He's not doing it to try to trap them, He's not doing it to try to trick them or to show His superiority, He wants to save them, He came to seek and to save the lost. God has no pleasure in damning souls to hell. Ezekiel says very plainly in Ezekiel 18:23, “'Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?’ declares the sovereign Lord, ‘Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?’" That is the spirit of Jesus. "I don't enjoy condemning people to hell. I would love for you to turn from your wicked ways and live and find salvation." That's His motive. This is exactly why that same week He wept over Jerusalem, as depicted in Luke 19, “As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it and said, ‘If even you had only known on this day what would bring you peace, but now it is hidden from your eyes.’" Jesus is giving all of them one last invitation to believe in Him as He really is. III. Jesus Makes His Case From Scripture: Psalm 110 So He makes His case from the Scriptures, constantly pointing to scripture as its proof of His identity and His mission. In this case, it's Psalm 110. If we combine Matthew's account from Mark's, we get the whole flow. There's a little more detail in Matthew, so I'll be leaning on both, but you could just listen or follow along in Mark. In Matthew, Jesus raises the question. Matthew 22:41, 42, “While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, ‘What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?’" They, in Matthew's account, give the answer, an easy answer. “‘Son of David,’ they replied.” That's how it begins in Matthew. In Mark, it reads this way, “While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, He asked them, ‘How is it that the teachers of the law say that Christ is the son of David? David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.’ David himself calls Him Lord. How then can He be his son?” That's the whole account in Mark. You get the reactions a little different in Matthew than in Mark. In Matthew 22: 46, it says,"No one could say a word in reply. And from that day on, no one dared to ask any more questions." He's silenced his enemies in Matthew 22:46. They don't know what to say. It's extremely significant that these Jewish experts in the law didn't have an answer to Jesus' question, therefore there isn't one other than the right one. Over the centuries, the Jews have had a chance to look at this question and answer it. There is no answer other than that which points directly to the deity of Christ. But unfortunately, as Paul talked about in Corinthians, the veil covers their faces when they read these scriptures and they can't see the truth, but there's no answer. They have no answer. Mark focuses on the delight of the crowd. Look at verse 37, “The large crowd listened to him with delight.” They're like, "Wow. I never saw that before." Can I just tell you in general, the Bible says more than you think it does. I'm going to give you just a principle for the rest of your life. There's more in the Bible than you think there is, so just keep studying it. There's always more to learn.They were amazed. They're like, man, "I never saw that. I've been reading Psalm 110 my whole life, and I never asked that question." What's going on? Jesus raises a question. Does Jesus answer the issue? No, He doesn't. He raises the question. How can David, speaking by the Spirit, call his own son his Lord? We're putting it simply. How can David's son be David's Lord? Do you have an answer? What's going on there? This is what Greg Koukl would call in his book, Tactics, putting a rock in someone's shoe. What does that mean? Ask them a question they can't answer. Something that jars them, something that keeps them up at night. If you were to die tonight and you were to stand before God and He were to ask, "Why should I let you into heaven?" What would you say? That's the Evangelism Explosion question. That's a rock in someone's shoe. Are you ready to die? Sometimes we feel like as evangelists, we need to kind of clinch the deal. We need to seal the deal. Sometimes all you need to do is put a rock in someone's shoe. In this case, it's this question, how can David's son be David's Lord? The Jews obviously were partially right. The Messiah, the Christ is the son of David. If you go back to, 2 Samuel 7, David has a desire to build a temple for God. He thought the Tabernacle's temporary tent wasn’t sufficent, it was time to build a temple. He wants to build one. Nathan, the prophet, comes with the word of God saying, "You are not the one to build the house for me. But a son coming from your own body will build a house for me." 2 Samuel 7, 12-14, "When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body. And I will establish His kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my name. And I will establish a throne of His kingdom forever. I will be His father and He will be my son." It's called the Davidic Covenant. We know the immediate fulfillment is David's biological son, Solomon, who built the actual physical temple. But we know that the words go bigger than this because the real, final, permanent temple of God in which God dwells by His Spirit is the church of the living God that He builds with living stones through evangelism missions. Jesus is the one who's going to build the eternal and final dwelling place for God. We know that there’s immediate fulfillment and long-term fulfillment. But there is this Son of David theme right from 2 Samuel 7. It just continues on throughout many, many passages in the Old Testament, picking up on this. For example, Psalm 89, 3-4, "You said, I have made a covenant with my chosen one. I have sworn to David, my servant. I will establish your line forever, and I'll make your throne firm throughout all generations." Or probably the most famous, the most well-known is Isaiah 9: 6-7, "For to us, a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end." Listen. "He will reign on David's throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness. From that time on and forever, the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." Isaiah 9 is a powerful prediction of an eternal kingdom of David. In Jeremiah 23: 5-6, “'The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will raise up to David a righteous branch, a king who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.'" This is centuries after David had died, but, "I'm going to raise up to David a branch, a king who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.” “In his days, Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which He will be called the Lord, our righteousness." That's so beautiful, the Lord is our righteousness. That's His name. That's a gospel. Jesus is our righteousness, Jeremiah 23. Or again, Ezekiel 37: 24-26, "My servant, David, will be king over them. And they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees. They will live in the land I gave to my servant, Jacob, the land where your father's lived. They and their children and their children's children will live there forever, and David, my servant, will be their prince forever. I will make a covenant of peace with them. It will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers and I'll put my sanctuary among them forever." Again, this is centuries after David had died. It means the Son of David will reign on a throne in David's name forever. They weren't wrong. The Gospels prove it as well. The very first fact told us in the New Testament, it's the simplest, shortest genealogy. If you have a desire to memorize a genealogy, may I commend Matthew 1:1, it’s a very good abbreviated genealogy. "The record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." My friends, that's the first fact the New Testament tells us about Jesus. He is, in fact, the Son of David. Then Matthew gives a comprehensive genealogy to prove that Jesus was biologically descended from David through Joseph, His earthly father, Joseph. Luke has a different genealogy, but again, most scholars believe that's Mary's genealogy, also a descendant through David. Again and again in the Gospel, Jesus is called Son of David. He doesn't reject it, He accepts it like the two blind men in Matthew 9:27, “As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, calling out, ‘Have mercy on a son of David.’" Or that Canaanite woman, she cried out, "Lord, son of David, have mercy on me. My daughter is suffering terribly from demon possession,” son of David. Blind Bartimaeus, Mark 10:47, when he heard it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me." Even just recently, at his the triumphal entry, they're all shouting, "Blessed is the one who comes in David's name. Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father, David, Hosanna and the highest." David, David. David, and He accepts it. He is, in fact, the son of David. The Messiah, the Christ, was truly the son of David. IV. What You Must Believe To Be Saved But friends, this is the point. That's inadequate, that’s not enough. You have to think greater thoughts than that to be saved. First of all, over the centuries, David had lots of descendants. There were lots of descendants of David. Joseph was called by the angel, son of David. Joseph isn't our savior, but he is a son of David, and the angel calls Him, son of David. That's not enough. Jesus wants to expand your conception of Himself. If I can just tell you, I believe that will go on for all eternity. Your conception of Jesus will keep growing and growing and growing and growing forever and ever. Jesus will never run out of new ways to show you His glory. But He's pushing at us now by the Scripture and by the Spirit to expand your conception of the greatness of Christ. All of us underestimate Jesus, so He's going to Psalm 110 to reason. He wants to challenge them, He wants to push at them. Let's look at His key exegetical assumptions, the keys to Jesus' argument, and let's walk through it. Key number one is the Davidic authorship of Psalm 110, it’s key to everything. If David didn't write Psalm 110, we're finished. But Jesus asserts it. "How is it then that David, speaking by the spirit, calls him Lord? For he says, "The Lord says to my Lord, if then David calls Him Lord, how can He be His son?"" This is the key to the argument. David wrote Psalm 110. If David did not write Psalm 110, the whole argument falls apart. If Psalm 110 was written some centuries later by some pious Jews, there would be no problem with those pious Jews writing about the Messiah being called “my Lord”. It's no problem. The author of that psalm would have no problem, and it's not an issue. But if it's David, now we have an issue here. Jesus clearly asserted that David was the author of the Psalm, and therefore he wrote the words, “my Lord.” Key number two, David wrote the Psalm under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This is key to everything we do here at First Baptist Durham, the inspirational authority of the Bible. We believe every single word in this is written, was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and therefore is free from error. Jesus openly ascribes the statement to the Holy Spirit through David. How is it that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls Him Lord? That guards David when he was writing Psalm 110 from error. He didn't make a mistake. It was really the Spirit that wanted him to say, "My Lord.” The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a stool for your feet." Assumption number three, the fact that Psalm 110 was Messianic, that it's talking about the Christ, the Messiah. Jesus asked, "What do you think about the Christ, the Messiah? Whose son is He?" The one you're all waiting for, the expectant savior that's going to come, the Davidic son. What do you think about it? We're talking about the Christ. How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls Him the Christ Lord, and then they quote Psalm 110? The Jews didn't stop them there and say, "Oh, whoa, wait. That's not even talking about the Christ." They knew it was. It was a messianic psalm. If so, the psalm itself doesn't make much sense. Who's he talking about? “The Lord said to my Lord” what? "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." If that's not the Messiah, then there's some other great personage that we would want to know about. Who are we talking about here? A couple of verses later, the Lord has sworn and will not change His mind. "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek”. The author to Hebrews just works on that for a whole chapter. Who are we talking about? If that's not the Christ, who is it? Someone who sits at the right hand of God whose enemies God crushes, and he is a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. Who is this? It's Messianic. This is the Messiah. That's key to the argument. Assumption number four, the fact that under the laws of Moses, a son is never greater than his father, especially when it comes to kings and princes. In the 10 commandments, sons are commanded to honor their fathers. Furthermore, a king sitting on a throne, his son, we would call in English a prince. Is there a difference between being the king and being a prince? There's a big difference. Suppose the prince wants to be king. We'll read about it with the rebellion of Absalom. He has to kill his father to do it. Even when at the end of David's life Adonijah wants to usurp and grab, and he makes Solomon his heir, David's not going to be calling Solomon “my Lord.” That isn't happening. Actually, it's the other way around. They say, "My Lord," to him even though he is on his deathbed. Then interesting, like you're all supposed to say to a king, "Oh king, live forever." If you want to be King Solomon, you're hoping that doesn't happen. But at any rate, the fact is you're never going to have the father calling the son, “my Lord.” They knew that. That's the final assumption David calls him “my Lord.” That's the little squiggle, the little yod after the word adon, adoni, “My Lord.” It all comes down to that one pen stroke. If then David calls Him Lord, how can He be His son? That's an interesting question. How can David's biological son be also David's eternal Lord? There's only one answer to that, and that is the mystery, the Christian mystery of the incarnation; that Jesus is both fully human and fully God. Like John the Baptist, David himself could say, "He who comes after me is greater than me because he preceded me." David's son preceded Him. Jesus is, therefore, unique of all human beings that ever lived in that He chose to enter the world, He chose to be born. He told Pontius Pilate that, "For this reason, I was born. And for this, I entered the world to testify to the truth.” Like John the Baptist said, "He who comes after me is greater than me because He was before me." Chronologically, He was born after me, Jesus was born after John the Baptist, six months after, but He preceded him. John knew that because He's a son of God, He's incarnate. He existed before He was human. This is an infinite mystery, the incarnation. 1 Timothy 3:16 says this, "Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great. He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the spirit, was seen by angels, was preached on among the nations, was believed on in the world and was taken up in glory." But look at what in the verse almighty God invites David's son to do. "The Lord said to my Lord..." What did he say? "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." This is quoted eight times in the New Testament. That's how significant this verse is, “Sit at my right hand.” Jesus is exalted. After His death on the cross and after His resurrection, He passed through the atmosphere, He passed through the sky, He passed through the heavenly realms until at last Ephesians 1 tells us He was seated at God's right hand, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and given every title that can be given, not only in the present age, but also in the one to come. God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way. That's what “sit at my right hand” means. That's what He's invited to do. David's son, His biological son, is invited by Almighty God to share His glory and His sovereign throne. It's also a threat, isn't it? Don't be one of Jesus' enemies because the verse says, "God says to Jesus, ‘You sit at my right hand and I will crush your enemies.’" If you are Jesus' enemy," the text says, "God is going to destroy you." Psalm 2 makes that plain. If you fight against the Lord and His Messiah, He will destroy you. God will put His sovereign power against you. He'll make all of His enemies a footstool for your feet. This is the most sublime and infinitely complex mystery of Christian theology. Jesus is fully God and fully man, biologically descended from David but Almighty God in the flesh. And before Him, every knee will bow, every tongue will swear that Jesus is Lord, that means God, to the glory of God, the Father. That includes David right now, who I believe is absent from the body and present with the Lord. What do you think he's doing up there? Is he not on his face worshiping his greater son, worshiping the glory of Jesus? That's what's going on. Jesus is the radiance of God's glory. He is the exact representation of His essential being. Anyone who has seen Him has seen the Father. In his death, all the attributes, the perfections of God were put on display for all eternity. The justice of God, the love of God, the power of God, the wisdom of God, these attributes are on display in the death of Jesus. That's who Jesus is. If you believe in him, someday you will see His glory with your own eyes. You will see Him face-to-face. You will see Him exalted and radiant and glorious. And you, yourself, will share in His glory because you will shine like the sun in the kingdom of your Father. Yes, son of David, but He's infinitely more than that, He is the son of God. "This is the most sublime and infinitely complex mystery of Christian theology. Jesus is fully God and fully man, biologically descended from David but Almighty God in the flesh." You have to believe this. You have to believe this to be saved. If you confess with your mouth- what? -Jesus is Lord. What does that mean? It means Jesus is God. That's what it means. And believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Or if you can make Thomas' confession. Thomas said very plainly when he saw the evidence of Jesus' resurrection from the dead, "My Lord and my God." That's what David means under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. "The Lord said to my Lord and my God, sit at my right hand." That's what he's saying. Can you make that confession? Can you look at the incarnate Jesus, read about him in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, look at that personage and say to Him from your heart, "My Lord and my God." If you can do that, you'll be saved. Your sins will be forgiven. V. Applications I began talking about a precise God, meticulous God. The God who made this universe and all the physical constants and all that. That's interesting to some people, to other people not because they’re not into science. I get it. But know this: This precise God, someday you're going to stand before Him and give an account for your life. You're going to be assembled together with all the nations and you're going to give an account for everything you've ever done in the body. It says in Revelation 20:12, "I saw the dead great and small standing before the throne and books were open. Another book was open, which is the Book of Life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. And Jesus himself said, ‘I tell you, you'll have to give an account in the day of judgment for every careless word you have spoken.’" That's the precise God you're going to stand in front of. I remember I was sharing the gospel with a coworker once, and I quoted that verse talking about Judgment Day. He said, "I don't remember everything I've said." I said, "That's fine. God's written it down, He remembers." And his eyes got big. That is the precise God that we serve. He remembers everything you've ever done, and you have to give Him an account. No one can survive that without Jesus. It's impossible to survive Judgment Day without faith in Jesus Christ. Imagine on the other hand what it's like to have Jesus own you as one of His own and say, "My righteousness is her righteousness, his righteousness. My name is around him or her. This is one of my sheep. I'm extending. Welcome to this person. Come into the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world by your Father." That's what you need. This is a tender warning. "Sit at my right hand," the text says, "until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." Don't be Jesus' enemy. Flee to Christ, and He will be not just your friend but your brother, He will be the lover of your soul, He will be your Lord and your God. We have opportunity to witness this week. I would suggest find someone and put a rock in their shoe. Ask them a question that they can't shake. I was on an airplane, and woe to people who sit next to Andy Davis on an airplane. Who knows where that conversation's going to go? But I remember we had reached a certain point and I felt like there was nothing more I needed to do in the conversation. The person wasn't ready to come to Christ. I actually said this to this person, who's a businessman. I said, "I'm going to pray that tonight you'll be unable to sleep because of the things we've talked about." And I think that's good. Sometimes all God wants you to do is put a question in someone's mind that they can't shake that they need to think about. Close with me in prayer. Father, we thank you for the opportunity we've had today to study your word, to walk through Jesus' incredible question that He asked His enemies. Lord, I pray that we would not be your enemies, I pray, I thank you that in Christ we are adopted, we are loved. We're part of your bride. We are delighted. But we know that we don't deserve any of those things; it's only by your grace. Father, this week as we assemble with family and friends, as we have the chance to be together, help us, oh Lord, to just give thanks to you, knowing that we don't deserve any of the blessings we have, but ultimately to give thanks for Jesus, our savior of whom we can say by the working of the spirit in our hearts, my Lord and my God. In your name we pray. Amen.

November 19 2023 Sunday A Study In Romans Week 04 / T. Stacy Hayes #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. This In Him Scripture Study Started On June 21 2021 Go Back And Listen From The Beginning…  The Study In Romans Started on March 30 2022 Go Back And Listen To This Study From The Beginning… Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons… “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.” Romans 4:4 KJV “When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned.” Romans 4:4 NLT “Now to a laborer, his wages are not counted as a favor or a gift, but as an obligation (something owed to him).” Romans 4:4 AMPC “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:5 KJV “But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.” Romans 4:5 NLT “But to one who, not working [by the Law], trusts (believes fully) in Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (the standing acceptable to God).” Romans 4:5 AMPC “Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,” Romans 4:6 KJV “David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:” Romans 4:6 NLT “Thus David congratulates the man and pronounces a blessing on him to whom God credits righteousness apart from the works he does:” Romans 4:6 AMPC “saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, And whose sins are covered.” Romans 4:7 KJV ““Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight.” Romans 4:7 NLT “Blessed and happy and to be envied are those whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered up and completely buried.” Romans 4:7 AMPC “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” Romans 4:8 KJV “Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”” Romans 4:8 NLT “Blessed and happy and to be envied is the person of whose sin the Lord will take no account nor reckon it against him. [Ps. 32:1, 2.]” Romans 4:8 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured                    

Old Testament: Ezekiel 1–3 Ezekiel 1–3 (Listen) Ezekiel in Babylon 1 In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the exiles by the Chebar canal, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.1 2 On the fifth day of the month (it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin), 3 the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the Chebar canal, and the hand of the LORD was upon him there. The Glory of the Lord 4 As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were gleaming metal.2 5 And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness, 6 but each had four faces, and each of them had four wings. 7 Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the sole of a calf's foot. And they sparkled like burnished bronze. 8 Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. And the four had their faces and their wings thus: 9 their wings touched one another. Each one of them went straight forward, without turning as they went. 10 As for the likeness of their faces, each had a human face. The four had the face of a lion on the right side, the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and the four had the face of an eagle. 11 Such were their faces. And their wings were spread out above. Each creature had two wings, each of which touched the wing of another, while two covered their bodies. 12 And each went straight forward. Wherever the spirit3 would go, they went, without turning as they went. 13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches moving to and fro among the living creatures. And the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. 14 And the living creatures darted to and fro, like the appearance of a flash of lightning. 15 Now as I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, one for each of the four of them.4 16 As for the appearance of the wheels and their construction: their appearance was like the gleaming of beryl. And the four had the same likeness, their appearance and construction being as it were a wheel within a wheel. 17 When they went, they went in any of their four directions5 without turning as they went. 18 And their rims were tall and awesome, and the rims of all four were full of eyes all around. 19 And when the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures rose from the earth, the wheels rose. 20 Wherever the spirit wanted to go, they went, and the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures6 was in the wheels. 21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those rose from the earth, the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. 22 Over the heads of the living creatures there was the likeness of an expanse, shining like awe-inspiring crystal, spread out above their heads. 23 And under the expanse their wings were stretched out straight, one toward another. And each creature had two wings covering its body. 24 And when they went, I heard the sound of their wings like the sound of many waters, like the sound of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the sound of an army. When they stood still, they let down their wings. 25 And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads. When they stood still, they let down their wings. 26 And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire;7 and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance. 27 And upward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him.8 28 Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking. Ezekiel's Call 2 And he said to me, “Son of man,9 stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” 2 And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. 3 And he said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. 4 The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.' 5 And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6 And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions.10 Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. 7 And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house. 8 “But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” 9 And when I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me, and behold, a scroll of a book was in it. 10 And he spread it before me. And it had writing on the front and on the back, and there were written on it words of lamentation and mourning and woe. 3 And he said to me, “Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat. 3 And he said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey. 4 And he said to me, “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with my words to them. 5 For you are not sent to a people of foreign speech and a hard language, but to the house of Israel—6 not to many peoples of foreign speech and a hard language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely, if I sent you to such, they would listen to you. 7 But the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, for they are not willing to listen to me: because all the house of Israel have a hard forehead and a stubborn heart. 8 Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. 9 Like emery harder than flint have I made your forehead. Fear them not, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.” 10 Moreover, he said to me, “Son of man, all my words that I shall speak to you receive in your heart, and hear with your ears. 11 And go to the exiles, to your people, and speak to them and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,' whether they hear or refuse to hear.” 12 Then the Spirit11 lifted me up, and I heard behind me the voice12 of a great earthquake: “Blessed be the glory of the LORD from its place!” 13 It was the sound of the wings of the living creatures as they touched one another, and the sound of the wheels beside them, and the sound of a great earthquake. 14 The Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness in the heat of my spirit, the hand of the LORD being strong upon me. 15 And I came to the exiles at Tel-abib, who were dwelling by the Chebar canal, and I sat where they were dwelling.13 And I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days. A Watchman for Israel 16 And at the end of seven days, the word of the LORD came to me: 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. 18 If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for14 his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. 19 But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die for his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul. 20 Again, if a righteous person turns from his righteousness and commits injustice, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die. Because you have not warned him, he shall die for his sin, and his righteous deeds that he has done shall not be remembered, but his blood I will require at your hand. 21 But if you warn the righteous person not to sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live, because he took warning, and you will have delivered your soul.” 22 And the hand of the LORD was upon me there. And he said to me, “Arise, go out into the valley,15 and there I will speak with you.” 23 So I arose and went out into the valley, and behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, like the glory that I had seen by the Chebar canal, and I fell on my face. 24 But the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and he spoke with me and said to me, “Go, shut yourself within your house. 25 And you, O son of man, behold, cords will be placed upon you, and you shall be bound with them, so that you cannot go out among the people. 26 And I will make your tongue cling to the roof of your mouth, so that you shall be mute and unable to reprove them, for they are a rebellious house. 27 But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.' He who will hear, let him hear; and he who will refuse to hear, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house. Footnotes [1] 1:1 Or from God [2] 1:4 Or amber; also verse 27 [3] 1:12 Or Spirit; also twice in verse 20 and once in verse 21 [4] 1:15 Hebrew of their faces [5] 1:17 Hebrew on their four sides [6] 1:20 Or the spirit of life; also verse 21 [7] 1:26 Or lapis lazuli [8] 1:27 Or it [9] 2:1 Or Son of Adam; so throughout Ezekiel [10] 2:6 Or on scorpion plants [11] 3:12 Or the wind; also verse 14 [12] 3:12 Or sound [13] 3:15 Or Chebar, and to where they dwelt [14] 3:18 Or in; also verses 19, 20 [15] 3:22 Or plain; also verse 23 (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 119:73–80 Psalm 119:73–80 (Listen) Yodh 73   Your hands have made and fashioned me;    give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.74   Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,    because I have hoped in your word.75   I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,    and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.76   Let your steadfast love comfort me    according to your promise to your servant.77   Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;    for your law is my delight.78   Let the insolent be put to shame,    because they have wronged me with falsehood;    as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.79   Let those who fear you turn to me,    that they may know your testimonies.80   May my heart be blameless in your statutes,    that I may not be put to shame! (ESV) New Testament: Galatians 3–4 Galatians 3–4 (Listen) By Faith, or by Works of the Law? 3 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by1 the flesh? 4 Did you suffer2 so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify3 the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. The Righteous Shall Live by Faith 10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”4 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit5 through faith. The Law and the Promise 15 To give a human example, brothers:6 even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise. 19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave7 nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. Sons and Heirs 4 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave,8 though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles9 of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Paul's Concern for the Galatians 8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain. 12 Brothers,10 I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?11 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. Example of Hagar and Sarah 21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia;12 she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written,   “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;    break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!  For the children of the desolate one will be more    than those of the one who has a husband.” 28 Now you,13 brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. Footnotes [1] 3:3 Or now ending with [2] 3:4 Or experience [3] 3:8 Or count righteous; also verses 11, 24 [4] 3:11 Or The one who by faith is righteous will live [5] 3:14 Greek receive the promise of the Spirit [6] 3:15 Or brothers and sisters [7] 3:28 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface [8] 4:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 7 [9] 4:3 Or elemental spirits; also verse 9 [10] 4:12 Or Brothers and sisters; also verses 28, 31 [11] 4:16 Or by dealing truthfully with you [12] 4:25 Some manuscripts For Sinai is a mountain in Arabia [13] 4:28 Some manuscripts we (ESV)

What is the impact of the arts around the world? During this mini-series, we are diving into conversations focused on the global impact of the arts. I am honored to have Keith and Kathy Thibodeaux joining me for part eight of this series! Keith